Since 1996, Japan has provided grant assistance for polio eradication every year through UNICEF and these efforts have accumulated to approximately US$ 91 million including today's signing. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD: The Government of Japan has extended a grant of 226 million Japanese Yen (approximately US$ 2.62 million) to Pakistan through UNICEF for supporting the polio eradication programme in Pakistan.

Roughly US $2 million out of the total grant will cover the procurement of approximately 13 million doses of oral polio vaccine (OPV).

The remaining $0.62 million will meeting the cost of social mobilization activities, says a statement issued by the Japanese Embassy here on Monday.

The notes to this effect were signed and exchanged between Akira Kono, Charg‚ d’Affaires of Japan to Pakistan here today and Karen Allen, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Pakistan.

Faridullah Khan, Secretary, Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination was also present to witness the signing.

The Government of Japan has focused on polio eradication as a global challenge on public health of the human race.

Since 1996, Japan has provided grant assistance for polio eradication every year through UNICEF and these efforts have accumulated to approximately US$ 91 million including today’s signing.

In his remarks at the signing ceremony, Kono said “Japan’s commitment and strong partnership with polio infected countries as well as development partners will continue until the day of complete eradication of polio from the world.”